Acquisition: Claiming Your Form

Was everyone able to figure out the clue from the enchanted parchment last time? I hope so, but if not, I'm sure it's quite clear now. Don't worry, we do not have to unpot the mandrakes themselves, we're simply giving them a haircut in a sense. You will also note that we are meeting at the first full moon of this month. This begins the easiest and hardest part of the ritual, dubbed The First Transformation or less elegantly, the Mandrake Challenge.

Now before you get all excited, you won't be shifting into your animal form just yet. We still have a two more months to go. So then, what is the First Transformation? It's an internal transformation, designed to prepare the body for the shock of the phsyical transformation. To begin, I want each of you to come up and cut ONE leaf from the mandrake. Once you've done this, you will go back to your seat and await further instructions.

While you are marching up, let me explain the importance of the mandrake leaf. Mandrakes, as we know, are important for potions curing petrification. They can also induce a sort of numbness and sleep of the mind, which allows the body to experience new things. Now one leaf isn't going to leave you in a coma like state. In fact, you should all be able to maintain your current schedules. If you can't, that may work against you becoming an animagus. However, what this leaf will do is allow your human body to connect to your animal body.

The full moon also effects transformation. Look at those who are cursed to be werewolves, forced to change every full moon. There is no stronger burst of natural magic in order to imbue these leaves.

You will find at your station a quill. I want you all to close your eyes, take a deep breath and with your eyes still closed, draw your animal form on the leaf. You are not to look at your drawing. Once done, flip the leaf over and pull out your wands. Begin by pointing to the moon and then bringing your wand down to tap the leaf, saying this spell as you do so (You should say the final word as you tap your leaf). "Animalis Similis Mei!"

Now, place the leaf in your mouth, but do not, for Merlin's sake, eat it! Instead, tuck the leaf inside a cheek or under your tongue. It'll move around as you go about your time. Because you must now keep this leaf inside your mouth until the next full moon. Silence, no groaning, I did warn you. This is both the easiest and the hardest thing you will be required to do. Now while you guys get used to the feeling, let's talk a little more indepth about the mandrake and it's wonderful powers.

The Magnificent Mandrakes

﻿Why a mandrake leaf? Why not a strawberry leaf, or a licorice root? Why not a piece of the root?

As I've mentioned earlier, mandrakes have powerful effects on the body. Animagus magic is also powerful. So some see the leaf as a stabilizing force for the body, as it prepares to enter this new state. This is perhaps true, as mandrakes leaves particularly have been used in mood boosting potions, such as ones given to those suffering from melancholy.

Mandrakes are also known to be good for growth of all sorts. While mainly used by those hoping to have a child, clever witches and wizards have noted that what is fertile in the body is also fertile in the mind and magic. As such, the mandrake has found it's way into the animagus ritual, in order to 'grow' the animal inside.

Unfortunately, muggle lore has led to some confusion over the ritual. If you'll notice, this is timed for while you are still at school, not while you're on break. This is mainly so that I can be here to guide you personally, but also it's because a few years ago, a muggleborn's student attempt at the ritual was disturbed by her well meaning parents. Having heard folktales about mandrakes coming from the blood of hanged criminals, they insisted she spit out the leaf.

Now, we know a little of why the mandrake plant, but why specifically the leaf? The roots are much more commonly used, and understandably so. The roots are where the essential nutrients and magic is stored, making it the most potent. However, that potency can come with a side effect of hallucinations and numbness. And there have been a few cases of death when it's done this way, as the prolonged contact with the mandrake caused a much too high of a build up in the system.

The leaf on the other hand, is less potent, making it both safe for a long term use and causing a much more gentle shift in the human body. So since the late 14oo's, the leaf has been the primary choice of leaf. (Wolfsbane has been used as well, but it has an odd effect if one's animal form is not canine.)

Now, onto your assignment. There's plenty of candle light for you guys to work on it, and it'll help you adjust to having the leaf in your mouth. ​